Social Security Card Process Change to Delay Single Permit Process

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At a Glance

• The National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary is no longer allowing officers to release social security number certificates or social security cards in person.

• Single Permit applicants – who can only obtain a social security number after they obtain their Single Permit – must now await the delivery of their social security number before they can start work, which can take 20-30 business days.

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The situation

The National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary is no longer allowing applicants to collect their social security numbers, which is delaying the overall Single Permit work authorization process.

Impact

• Work start date delays. Single Permit applicants – who can only obtain a social security number after they obtain their Single Permit – must now wait until the delivery of their social security number before starting work, which can take 20-30 business days.

• Card issuance delays. Once the applicant obtains their social security number, the host employer applies for the social security card, which can take the National Health Insurance Fund another 20-30 business days to issue. Applicants benefit from social security services once their number is issued; the delay does not affect the validity of number.

• EU nationals. EU nationals (as opposed to non-EU local hires) are less impacted as they can apply for a social security number before they obtain a registration and address card if they stay in Hungary for more than 90 days.

Background

This delay – which is likely due to staffing issues at the National Health Insurance Fund – is in addition to the one reported in July 2019. Prior to these delays, it took eight business days for applicants to receive a social security card.

There are currently administrative delays in many government departments in Hungary due to understaffing.

Looking ahead

The administrative delays are likely to subside soon since the government announced a plan to resolve the staffing issues in all departments.

 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].